May 21, 2020

Seeding depth. How far to chase moisture?

The same wind that makes it a challenge to spray also dries out the top layer of soil. Should this dry layer of topsoil mean a change in seeding depth? Going slightly deeper (around 1”, max 1-1/2”) to put seed into moisture might improve emergence if soils are also warm and there’s no rain in the immediate forecast.

If considering deeper seeding, spend extra time checking placement both across the drill and in several adjacent rows to make sure that all openers are seeding at the intended depth.

Note that rain or wind can level seeding furrows and create a much deeper seeding depth than intended, so chasing soil moisture becomes riskier if plant establishment isn’t then guaranteed to be rapid.

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